⚠️ Not legal advice. Immigration requirements change. Always consult a licensed attorney for your situation.
Eligibility Requirements
- ✓ Employed by multinational company abroad for at least 1 of last 3 years
- ✓ Transferring to US affiliate, parent, or subsidiary
- ✓ L-1A: managerial or executive capacity
- ✓ L-1B: specialized knowledge of company products/procedures
Common Pitfalls & Challenges
- ⚠ 1-year abroad employment requirement
- ⚠ Must prove qualifying relationship between entities
- ⚠ L-1B "specialized knowledge" standard is increasingly scrutinized
- ⚠ 5-year cap (L-1A: 7 years)
Visa Type
Intracompany Transferee
Typical Timeline
3–6 months (2 weeks with premium)
Approval Rate History
| Year | Filed | Approved | Approval Rate | RFE Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 32,184 | 17,923 | 7419.0% | 4780.0% |
| 2024 | 48,293 | 28,934 | 7872.0% | 3820.0% |
| 2023 | 29,823 | 16,234 | 7397.0% | 4520.0% |
| 2023 | 45,234 | 27,012 | 7913.0% | 3640.0% |
| 2022 | 27,341 | 14,823 | 7432.0% | 4210.0% |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic requirements for a L-1 Visa?
Key requirements: Employed by multinational company abroad for at least 1 of last 3 years; Transferring to US affiliate, parent, or subsidiary; L-1A: managerial or executive capacity.
How long does L-1 Visa processing take?
Processing typically takes 3–6 months (2 weeks with premium). Times vary based on USCIS workload and whether premium processing is available.
What are the most common reasons for L-1 Visa denial?
Common pitfalls include: 1-year abroad employment requirement; Must prove qualifying relationship between entities.